What the police and politicians say

Assistant chief constable Tim Jacques who is also chair of the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership said: “We don’t want to catch you speeding. Our primary aim is for all drivers to adhere to the safe speed limits on our roads, and these particular roads are proven to be amongst some of our most dangerous.

“It is well researched and documented that speeding can kill, but we know that a combination of education, engineering and enforcement can change behaviours and save lives. This is particularly important where there are recurring problems.

“The Partnership vision, ‘Towards Zero’, is that we work towards preventing all collisions that result in death or serious injury. Using clearly signed average speed cameras will play a vital role as part of this vision.”

The Department of Transport puts the average cost of dealing with a fatal collision as £2million, and a serious collision as £230,000.

Police and crime commissioner for Lancashire Clive Grunshaw said: “In an ideal world drivers would observe the speed limit and we would never have speed related casualties and deaths; but we all know that that is not the case. The casualty toll on these routes has to be tackled and therefore I am pleased that the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership is investing to make these routes safer for all. Evidence shows that speed is often a factor in road deaths and serious collisions, so these measures should help to save lives.”

County Councillor John Fillis, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Our roads have become much safer over the past decade with far fewer casualties overall.

“However there are particular roads where the record of speed related casualties remains high, despite considerable investment in targeted safety engineering measures.

“The evidence suggests that average speed cameras will help to tackle this problem, and I look forward to these roads becoming safer following their introduction.”

When will the work on the average speed cameras start?

The A6 in Preston at London Road is to have the first one introduced. Work begins on Monday (9 January) and is expected to be in force during March. Other routes will be done during the course of 2017 with all of them operational by the end of the year.

What’s the cost of the new speed cameras?

During the first five years the average speed camera scheme is to cost £2.15million. They are funded by the Lancashire Road Safety Partnership.

Where else is getting the average speed cameras?

A565 Southport Road (1.2m) between B5246 at Mere Brow and the Gravel Lane roundabout at Banks.

What happens to existing speed cameras on these roads?

They are being removed as the average speed ones are put in.

What’s the penalty issued for breaking the speed limit?

There will be sanctions for anyone detected breaching the speed limits, where eligible they will be given the opportunity to attend a speed awareness course to learn about the dangers of speeding, accept a conditional offer of a fixed penalty or for higher speeds the matter may be referred to court.